Removable Section Inside Grill

[MUDGUTS]

Was tinkering today and discovered this:

...fitted inside my LS 400 grill.

It is held in place by six clips (see pic). To remove it you must first remove the clips by sliding them away and then remove one screw either side of the inside of the grill to loosen it. By slightly bending the cover, it is possible to slide it first one way, then the other, to remove it.

I guess this was a mod to cars exported to cooler countries to slightly reduce airflow over the radiatior.

Has anyone else seen this and removed of even fitted one?

[steve2006]

My original Celsior grill didn't have this part fitted probably because the Japanese climate is warm but the Lexus replacement I bought and fitted does have this blanking plate fitted.

I have simply left it in place the temperature gauge is always in the middle so it doesn't cause any overheating problems.

Given the UK climate less airflow is probably better.

[John N]

Was tinkering today and discovered this:

...fitted inside my LS 400 grill.

It is held in place by six clips (see pic). To remove it you must first remove the clips by sliding them away and then remove one screw either side of the inside of the grill to loosen it. By slightly bending the cover, it is possible to slide it first one way, then the other, to remove it.

I guess this was a mod to cars exported to cooler countries to slightly reduce airflow over the radiatior.

Has anyone else seen this and removed of even fitted one?

There is a similar panel behind the lower part of the radiator grill on the LS430.

When I fitted a Lexus tow-bar the fitting instructions tell you to remove the panel and throw it away. I assumed this is to improve the cooling when towing a heavy trailer.

For the last 2 years I've had had mine removed and once the engine is warm the temperature gauge never moves, and for 95 percent of the time I don't tow anything.

I think your guess is right.

John N